Latest from Rotorua

Number 279 in the queue: Rates penalty notice has council's phone lines running hot

Council says collecting its own rates has been mostly positive - despite some criticism.

'Really tough': This restaurant used to seat 130. Now it's lucky to get 30

Cost of rice has doubled: 'We can’t afford to give even a single grain for free anymore'.

'Shoot me. Shoot me': Cop says he heard man ask to be shot

'I very clearly remember him saying that. He said it calmly.'

'Huge': Donations already rolling in ahead of Fill the Bus

Last year 10,041 items or more than $25,000 worth were collected during Fill the Bus.

Holes in the walls, a bin blaze burning for hours and children: Inside Spa Lodge

Revealed: The fire report that led to a backpackers' being deemed a dangerous building.

Sex stabbing trial: Jury returns verdicts

The defendant had denied two charges.

Council denies WorkSafe charge after tourist injured falling into geothermal sinkhole

The case was called at a hearing in Rotorua.

Woman reveals cost of stolen diesel as Wilson Parking beefs up security after 'several' drill and drain thefts

Woman's gas tank replacement cost $1K, took three weeks after tank was drained by thieves.

Lights, sirens and heroes: Ngongotahā Volunteer Fire Brigade raises $5.4k for Christmas appeal

By 9pm, the Salvation Army bus was so heavily laden with donations it could hardly move.

'Highly manipulative': Sex stabbing attack pre-meditated, Crown says

The jury has retired to consider its verdict.

Four-vehicle crash causes delays at Ngongotahā

Police were called about 8.15am.

Phone not pliers helps patient resolve toothache agony

With throat and mouth swelling, head pounding and painkillers useless, he needed 'relief'.

Three Kiwi sustainable swimwear brands to watch, including the world’s first zero-waste label

The fashion industry has been known as the second-biggest polluter in the world.

'Not culturally safe': Why teen rugby star is quitting Australia for New Zealand

An Indigenous Australian rugby star seeks greener pastures in Rotorua.

Mobility scooter crash: Dedicated gardener bought plants the day he died

A relative says Eddie Duffy often made the long ride to Bunnings to buy more blooms.

Sex stabbing trial: Wife describes controlling and violent marriage

Jurors watch two police video interviews with the defendant as trial progresses.

'Traumatic': Babysitter indecently assaulted says court trial worse than the crime itself

'I felt like the defendant ... I’m the victim in the matter.'

Time is ripe for more government asset sales

OPINION: Many of us have an irrational fear of asset sales.